Mental illness can be as challenging for family members as it is for the person experiencing the illness. It is vitally important that family members take the time to learn how to best help someone experiencing mental health issues—not only to ensure that support is beneficial to the person receiving it, but also that support-givers maintain their own health.
To help, BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions has published a resource manual, Family Self-Care and Recovery From Mental Illness, available for download as a PDF document. It’s been very popular and offers a wealth of practical guidance for families dealing with mental illness.
Family members may also find these resources helpful:
- VCH: Family Involvement with Mental Health & Addiction Services
- BC Mental Health Guide
- Family Toolkit, BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information
- Coping With Anxiety During Pregnancy and Following Birth (BCMHAS manual)
- VCH Listing of Community Supports for Families
- VCH Family Involvement and Support Program
- The Adapt Clinic (genetic counselling for individuals and their families, who live with a psychiatric diagnosis)
- Spotlight on Mental Health Family Involvement